Masonry guides
Masonry guides for Middle Tennessee homeowners and property owners
Plain-English advice on choosing brick and stone, mortar and tuckpointing, chimneys and fireplaces, retaining walls, patios and pavers, stucco and concrete, seasonal care and permits, with links to official sources.
MaterialsBrick, Stone and Block: Which Masonry Material to ChooseHow clay brick, natural stone, manufactured stone, concrete block, pavers and stucco differ, and how to match the material to the job.Read the guide
PlanningHow to Plan a Masonry Project From First Idea to Final JointHow to define the goal, study the site, choose materials and check permits before a mason lays the first unit.Read the guide
How it worksHow Mortar and Tuckpointing Work: Why Joints Fail and How They Are FixedWhat mortar does, how strong it should be, how to tell when joints are failing and what happens during repointing.Read the guide
ChimneysChimney Care, Repair and Safety: What Every Owner Should KnowThe parts of a chimney, the common problems, what to check each year and what to do before the first fire of the season.Read the guide
WallsRetaining Walls: Drainage, Footings and When You Need EngineeringHow retaining walls work, why drainage and a solid base matter most, and when a wall needs an engineer and a permit.Read the guide
Outdoor livingPatios, Pavers and Walkways: Bases, Patterns and Lasting BeautyHow a patio is built from the ground up, how pavers, brick and stone differ and how to keep them looking good.Read the guide
Outdoor livingOutdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits and Kitchens: Planning, Clearances and UtilitiesHow to plan an outdoor fireplace, fire pit or kitchen, including layout, clearances, gas and power, and the rules to check.Read the guide
ProblemsWhy Masonry Cracks, Leans and Leaks, and What to Do About ItHow to tell harmless hairline cracks from movement, what causes leaning and leaking walls and when to call a mason.Read the guide
CareA Seasonal Masonry Care Calendar for Middle TennesseeWhat to look at in spring, summer, fall and winter to keep brick, stone, chimneys, patios and walls in good shape.Read the guide
Rules and safetyMasonry Permits, 811 and Safety: What to Know Before You BuildWhen you need a permit, why to call 811 before digging, how to check a contractor and what to know about dust and safety.Read the guide
Brands and references
Industry groups and trusted references
Explore the trade groups and agencies behind masonry standards, building codes, chimney safety, historic preservation, permits and utilities in Middle Tennessee. Names belong to their owners, and we are not affiliated with them.
- Brick Industry AssociationTechnical notes and design guidance on brick construction.
- Natural Stone InstituteInformation on natural stone, its uses and its care.
- National Concrete Masonry AssociationTechnical resources on concrete block, pavers and segmental retaining walls.
- Interlocking Concrete Pavement InstituteGuidance on paver design, installation and maintenance.
- Portland Cement AssociationResources on cement, concrete and masonry mortar.
- Tennessee 811Call before you dig so underground utilities are marked.
- Metro Nashville Codes DepartmentPermits and inspections for Davidson County.
- National Park Service: Technical Preservation ServicesPreservation guidance, including briefs on repointing and cleaning historic masonry.
- The Masonry SocietyA technical society for masonry design, construction and research.
- National Lime AssociationInformation on lime and its uses, including lime mortar.
- Chimney Safety Institute of AmericaChimney safety information and inspection standards.
- National Fire Protection AssociationFire and life safety codes, standards and public education.
- University of Tennessee ExtensionResearch-based guidance on soils, water, plants and home care in Tennessee.
- Metro Water Services: StormwaterStormwater and erosion control information for Nashville.
- National Weather Service NashvilleLocal forecasts, warnings and climate information for Middle Tennessee.
- Tennessee license verificationLook up a Tennessee professional or contractor license.
- OSHA: Silica in ConstructionFederal safety information on dust from cutting masonry and concrete.
Put it into practice
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